The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, applauds the collaborative Trap-Neuter-Return efforts of Sheltering Hands, Humane Society of Levy County and River City Community Animal Hospital (“33 down, lots more to go in latest TNR”).

I write this letter in reference to last week’s letter you received from our Levy County Property Appraiser, entitled “Setting the Record Straight”, I too don’t like to air things out through the media and that’s why when I read the statement that said that Mr. Carnegie and myself called a press conference concerning Mrs. Mary Golding being fired, I was shocked. We never called a press conference but we were contacted by the Chiefland Citizen to be interviewed just as Mr. Barker. Therefore it has become necessary for me to respond.

It has now become necessary that I make this statement concerning my decision to terminate Mrs. Mary Golding. My hope was that this situation would not have to be aired out in the media, for the sake of how this situation can damage the reputations of myself, the office, and Mrs. Golding. I myself have worked hard over the past years to be involved in the community and to lead a life that I hope will draw honor and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because he is Worthy.

The New Year is a time for many people to make resolutions for the year ahead.

In past years, Social Security has suggested resolutions such as to plan ahead for your retirement, check your Social Security Statement, and safeguard your Social Security card and number. This year, we’d like to turn the tables and pledge to you our own resolutions as an agency. In 2009 Social Security resolves to …

Some people might categorize me as a skeptic. Maybe I am but I am in agreement with good old Benjamin Franklin who reputedly said, “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.” This philosophy was probably a result of inventing the bifocals.

My personal history has shown that every time I get my hopes up they are soundly dashed to the ground in disappointment. I often refer to myself as an optimistic-pessimist; I know for sure things are going to go wrong. And, I am rarely disappointed in that aspect of life.